Bangkok: Two Cambodian men have been remanded in custody following an attempted abduction of a Thai woman. CCTV footage captured the incident, showing the men trying to follow the woman into her house. Fortunately, she managed to lock her gate in time, thwarting their attempt. The suspects were later identified and apprehended by the police.
According to Thai News Agency, the incident occurred around 11:00 PM on July 21st in the Phra Nakhon District. The victim, while returning home alone, noticed two men standing by a wall in the alley leading to her house. Sensing danger, she hurried past them, prompting the men to chase her. She ran for her life and managed to reach her house on Soi Suan Laem, where she locked the doors just in time.
In the aftermath, the victim shared her ordeal on Instagram. Her post gained attention from her relatives and community members, who played a crucial role in tracking down the suspects by the evening of July 23rd. The men, identified as Mr. Bu, 22, and Mr. Tach, 24, were Cambodian nationals working at a local restaurant. Despite holding valid passports and work permits, they were subdued by the villagers who caught them, during which they attempted to apologize repeatedly.
On July 24, police at Chanasongkhram Police Station detained the suspects for questioning. They were charged with "jointly breaking into a dwelling at night and causing fear and alarm to others." This morning, both men were taken to Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court for further detention. They continued to assert that they had no intention of harming the victim, claiming they only followed her to apologize. This contrasts with the CCTV evidence showing them running after her.
The police, adhering to legal procedures, did not oppose bail but remanded the suspects into custody. The judicial process will consider the statements made by the suspects during their interviews.
The victim, a long-time resident of the area, recounted her experience of the night. After a night out with friends, she was startled to encounter the two men, initially mistaking them for acquaintances. Upon realizing they were strangers, she quickened her pace while recording the encounter on her phone. The suspects attempted to converse with her, but when she refused their advances, they lunged at her, prompting her to flee into her home and lock the door. Despite her warnings and calls to the police, the men repeatedly tried to breach her door until they eventually left the scene.